The Top Five Causes of Premature Aging of the Skin

It probably goes without saying that all of us want to look and feel as young as we can for as long as we can. But many of us are sabotaging those efforts by the lifestyles we choose and the daily habits we engage in. If you want to look your best for as long as you can, there are a few choices you can make that will help not only the appearance of your skin, but also your overall health:

Avoid too much sun. Overexposure to sun is one of the greatest enemies of your skin. You may think that a golden tan is attractive and youthful looking, but guess again. Ultraviolet rays wreak havoc with your skin, causing it to dry out and appear leather-like. Not only that, but too much sun exposure increases your chances for skin cancer. Be sure to find some shade, and wear sun block that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Don’t smoke. How many times have you heard that advice in health-related articles? But it’s absolutely true—aside from all the other negative effects that smoking has on your health, it’s also terrible for your skin. Smoking, or even secondhand smoke you’re exposed to from being around someone else who smokes, depletes your skin of vitamin C, which plays an important role in keeping skin moist and plump. Some experts have said that smoking is just as bad for your skin as overexposure to the sun.

Exercise on a regular basis. Being active gets your blood flowing and tones the muscles under the skin. Physical activity benefits you in virtually every way—from heart and brain health to better digestion—but now there’s a new benefit to add to the list. It also helps to keep your skin looking younger!

Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Most of us are aware of how alcohol has a negative effect on so many organs in our body, not to mention impacting healthy brain functioning, but did you know it also has a nasty impact on your skin? Too much alcohol dilates small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. These tiny vessels can be permanently damaged, and they created a flushed appearance on the surface of the skin.

Get plenty of rest. If you don’t get enough sleep—and most experts agree that adults need 8 or 9 hours a night—your skin can tell the tale. Dark circles under your eyes and sagging skin are just two signs of need more sleep.

There are other steps you can take to help your skin look youthful, like maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, but avoiding these top five mistakes can give you a big advantage in looking as good as you can for as long as you can.

Roxanne Jones is a blogger for Laser Studio, a medical spa in Austin, Texas, specializing in laser hair removal.